VCARB left China at the head of the BOTT standings on 1,053 points despite finishing second in the round classification.
McLaren won the weekend on 248 points. VCARB scored 214 through one win, three podiums and seven top-five finishes from 12 starts.
The top three fit inside 52 points
Ferrari sits second on 1,022, 31 behind VCARB. McLaren is third on 1,001, another 21 back and 52 from first.
That compression makes China's round order unusually consequential: the third-place season team wins, the new leader finishes second and the former leader drops to second overall.
Seven top fives carry VCARB to first
VCARB did not match McLaren's four wins, but its seven top-five finishes kept the loss small enough to take the cumulative lead. Depth protected the larger objective.
China therefore leaves BOTT without a comfortable hierarchy: VCARB leads, Ferrari is 31 away and the weekend winner is 52 from the top.
